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PUBLIC HEALTH 




AGKICULTUKE. 



BY 



A. PEYSSON, 
1 



CIVIL ENGINEER. 




V 



> PHILADELPHIA: 

J. H. JONES, PRINTER, No. 34 CARTER'S ALLEY. 

1851. 



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SANITARY MEASURES 



PEOGEESS OF THE AGRICULTURE 



HIGHLY INTERESTING AND IMPORTANT TO THE PCBLIC. 



May we be permitted to speak as an European, (since the city 
of Philadelphia has been taking a view of the capitals of Europe,) 
and be allowed to propound this question: Have the means of 
remedying the scourge pointed out been really known on this side 
of the Atlantic ? They have not. How have you exterminated 
the yellow fever, and even the plague at Philadelphia ? By re- 
moving stagnant waters, and every other source from whence 
escape these deplorable epidemics. But it must be confessed 
that they appear to have been replaced by another kind of pesti- 
lence, that of the cholera. It is certain that it is only by 
hygienic measures that the population can be secured from its 
destructive effects ; no one can dispute it. But how is it that 
you remove, by sanitary regulations, fragments of vegetables, 
oyster shells, &c. &c, from before the door, and yet leave near 
your houses immense wells or reservoirs filled with matter dele- 
terious to the last degree, which every day mingles with your 
aliment, and the air you respire ? You will comprehend by the 
terms wells or reservoirs, those infected places which we describe, 
and whose contents, r in consequence of infiltrations and other 
chemical laws, mingle with every organic system, animal as well 
as vegetable. After this short preamble, we shall take the liberty 
of explaining our views, as a chemist and engineer; on a subject 
like this, our expressions must of course be technical, and we 
entreat our readers to suppose that we are addressing them, as a 
professor of chemistry or medicine would address an auditory, 
who only required a knowledge of facts, and that without any 
disguise whatever. 



EXPLANATION 

Respecting an establishment for the transmutation of feculent 
matter into inoderous and chemical manure, addressed to the 
population of Philadelphia, by Augustus Peysson, Engineer, 
and last chief Engineer of the French general company. 

Philadelphia, a city, containing a population of more than 
400,000 inhabitants, and one of the most remarkable in the world 
for its cleanliness, comfort, and civilization; Philadelphia is yet 
destitute of an establishment for the removal of feculent matter at 
mid-day, without any inconvenience resulting from it. How is 
it, that, in so large a city, this plan of disinfecting the domicile 
has never been adopted. There is not a habitation which pos- 
sesses the moveable cesspool of Europe, constructed so as to sepa- 
rate solids from liquids. 

The idea has scarcely been conceived of creating an establish- 
ment for the reception of the products of these sinks, in order to 
convert them into chemical manure, which, for purposes of agri- 
culture is infinitely superior to guano or poudrette. There exists 
a most important difference in the manufacture of poudrette and 
that of chemical manure, produced from cesspools. The process 
of manufacturing poudrette deprives the feculent matter of more 
than one-fourth of its richness in azote, while, by another system, 
the transmutation of this matter into artificial or chemical manure, 
preserves it in all its rich fecundity. 

The establishment which we propose to create will combine 
the concentration and drying of muscular flesh and blood, arising 
from slaughter-houses and all animal remains. But not to di- 
gress from the point in question, we will merely state what is 
most interesting as regards the health and comfort of the public; 
and, on the other hand, its advantages in respect to agriculture. 
With these views, active researches have recently been made 
with the most complete success. The causes of infection which 



( 5 ) 

are to be met with near almost every house in great cities, such 
as Philadelphia, are the vaults or sinks from whence a pestilen- 
tial and insupportable vapor is almost constantly exhaled from 
the conduits connected with them. This effluvium is still more 
contagious when the process of cleansing takes place. The 
transportation of this matter through the streets, when it is effec- 
ted without the precaution of first disinfecting it, or using means 
for preventing the gas from escaping, presents the most serious 
inconveniences. In a large number of cities, the contents of these 
places are infiltrated through the ground, and continually diffuse 
noxious exhalations from which result the most serious diseases, 
and the effects of these exhalations are especially to be dreaded 
when the cholera or any other epidemic makes its appearance. 
It is principally in regard to Philadelphia that we should state 
these baneful effects, as the vaults are all deep and admit of in- 
filtrations through the earth. From the immense surface of 
ground which Philadelphia covers, there escapes, besides the 
odor which characterizes all feculent matter, hydro-sulphate, 
and carbonate of ammoniac, (the effect of which is felt at a dis- 
tance of more than two miles from the city.) These emanations 
not only diffuse an infectious miasma, but they ruin gilding and 
painting, and metals are oxidized by them ; results which are 
caused by a combination of sulphuric acid with metallic sub- 
stances. We also add, that the evacuation of these vaults by the 
methods now employed are extremely insalubrious to the poor 
laborers who pursue this disgusting calling. By a new system 
the fermentation or decomposition of this matter is instantaneously 
diminished to such a degree, and the gas so completely absorbed, 
that the most offensive odor gives place to a slight emission of 
ammoniac gas, to which the operator very soon becomes insensi- 
ble. The hydro-sulphuric acid which was emitted previous to 
the operation, unites so rapidly with the ammonia?, that a silver 
blade plunged into the matter still humid retains its color and 
metallic brilliancy, while in the organic matter, used prior to the 
disinfecting process being employed, stains or blackens the silver 
in every part. The application of this method for disinfecting 



( 6 ) 

cesspools, would by degrees impart salubrity to every portion of 
this densely populated city. The disinfection of vaults connected 
with dwellings is extremely important, not only in a hygienic point 
of view as regards the public health, but the benefits which result 
from it are also highly important in connection with agriculture, 
as it preserves in all its value as manure the ammoniacal part 
which is contained in it. We can also state that by this method 
the value of manure is considerably enhanced, as it may be kept 
for an indefinite period, without any odor arising from it. This 
stercus, w r hether composed of solid or fluids, in consequence of the 
variety of salts it contains, and especially of the ammonia? and ■ 
other azotic substances contained in it, constitue it a powerful and 
abundant source for the manufactory of manure, which hitherto 
has not been made as available as it might have been, or received 
that attention of which it is worthy. Important advantages 
might be derived from this source of manure, the results of which 
have hitherto been very incomplete, as no means have been used 
to prevent the evaporation of the volatile salts of ammonia? con- 
tained in it, and the liquid and solid portions of this matter have 
been frequently cast aside as worthless, when by careful preser- 
vation, they might have been turned to great profit. In order to 
perfectly appreciate the immense advantage of preserving this 
organic matter, with all its fertilizing properties, in lieu of allow- 
ing them to be dissipated in the atmosphere, it is important to 
remark that the new chemical manure possesses a fertilizing 
power at least ten times greater than that of poudrette. Experi- 
ments made in France and Germany by the best chemists and 
practical agriculturists, prove that soil which it is supposed would 
without any manure produce three times the quantity of seed 
sown, would yield with a slight application of manure of 



Decayed vegetable matter, . 


. 5 times the seed. 


Stable manure 


a - 


71 


Pigeon manure 


a 


8* 


Horse manure 


« 


9 11 


Guano 


it 


10 i 


Fluid stercus 


ti 


12 11 


Solid stercus 


a 


14 11 



( 7 ) 

After having rapidly analyzed the operation of the disinfecting 
of feculent matter, or of its conversion into manure, we would add 
that the quantity of azote* contained in the stercus arising from 
one individual in the space of one year, is rather more than two 
pounds, a quantity sufficient, according to Messrs. Bousingault, 
Payen, Girardin, and other chemists of celebrity, for the produc- 
tion of 800 pounds of wheat, rye or oats, that is to say a sufficient 
quantity of azote to manure during one year twenty acres of land, 
and if a tobacco plantation was manured with the artificial ma- 
nure manufactured from feculent matter, benefits of the highest 
importance would accrue from it. It is as well to mention that 
blood concentrated and dried is sometimes preferred for the cul- 
ture of the sugar cane. France exports a considerable quantity 
of this kind of manure, at the price of four dollars and fifty cents 
the two hundred pounds. By this new method, not only all 
fluids sufficiently charged with organic matter and azote, but all 
solids produced from animal remains, are immediately converted 
into inoderous manure. This method, also, which is the most 
general, increases the means of enriching land, and it must every- 
where gradually supply the insufficiency of manure. In a short 
time it gives all the advantages of decomposition, and the manure 
resulting from it can be immediately employed and placed in con- 
tact with seed sown, radicles, stalks, and.the most delicate leaves. 
It yields but slowly to atmospheric influences, or to the action of 
the fungous or spougy extremities of roots, and the gaseous or 
soluble products they contain. It thus gradually furnishes, with- 
out exhausting itself, every thing that contributes to the develop- 
ment of animal plants. This manure, if even used to excess, 
never changes the agreeable flavor of fruits, leaves, or roots, but 
developes all their aromatic properties. These facts are now- 
proved by numerous agriculturists in Europe, who have employed 
this kind of manure. Although five measures of two hundred 
pounds each suffice to manure one acre of land, ten times that 
quantity has sometimes been employed in gardens, principally 
to forward the growth of young fruit trees, as well as revive 

* Azote is the most fertilizing property contained in manure. 



( 8 ) 

others which had been transplanted, and also to hasten the vege- 
tation of green swards, or lawns, where seed had been sown in 
autumn. In the application of this artificial manure, the same 
accidents have never been experienced, which more active ma- 
nure, such as guano, and others, are liable to; and it is also 
evident that by the chemical agents employed in the fabrication 
of it, there is no inconvenience to be apprehended from the 
myriads of insects, and parasatic plants imported with the ordi- 
nary manure. 



CONCLUSION: 

The principal facts of this statement, give the following results : 

1st. The establishment of moveable cesspools, adapted for 
separating the solids from the liquids, in such a manner as to dis- 
infect the former, and put the latter in such a state as to prevent 
it from becoming putrid. These preparations can be placed in a 
cellar or room and be submitted to such modifications as will 
allow of their being deposited in any locality, so as to be removed 
at all times without any effluvium. 

2d. The continual disinfection of the cesspools. 

3d. The removal of existing matter in old vaults, and by a 
preparation extracting from it all offensive odor, and converting 
it immediately into manure. The manure produced from organic 
matter is of much greater utility, as its spontaneous and slow de- 
composition is much better adapted to the development of 
vegetables. 

4th. The muscular flesh and blood of various animal remains, 
as well as manure, which was formerly by neglect impaired so as 
to lose from one-fifth to the nine-tenths of their productive qua- 
lities, can now be rendered available without any deperdition. 

5th. The powerful drying and disinfecting action of the pro- 
cess in question may be employed for the preservation of sub- 
stances extremely subject to decay, and the solution of problems of 
the highest interest and importance to the public health. 

6th. The suppression of these infectious depositories where 
the night soil is placed, in order to be converted into manure, 
commonly called poudrette. The manner in which this poudrette 
is manufactured, at present, is the ne plus ultra of prodigal waste. 
It is also asserted that this manure, a kind of mould, impove- 
rished by the method of its preparation, is so deprived of its pro- 
perties, (azote or nitrogen,) that it contains only from .02 to .03 
parts, whilst the poudrette or chemical fertilizer, made according 



( io ) 

o the process of Messrs. Bousingault, Payen, and other reputed 
chemists, contains 75 or 80 per cent, of azoied matter, as by 
their method of manufacturing chemical manure, the fecal matter 
or stercus, loses but little, if any, of its fertilizing power. It is 
acknowledged that the decomposition of this rich compost is 
diminished to such a degree, as to admit of its being placed in con- 
tact with the spongioles and radicles, and also of applying it in 
general to all vegetables, without injuring or imparting to them its 
disagreeable flavor. It must be admitted that from this slow 
decomposition, there results a longer duration of the fertilizing 
principle in the manure in question. It is also known that plants 
must have precisely that kind of nourishment best adapted to 
them, as they can neither seek it themselves, or avoid what is 
pernicious to them. 

7th. The union of an abattoir, or slaughter house, to the 
manufacture of chemical manure, would be highly important as 
regards the public health, and in an industrial point of view 
the advantages would be considerable. By adopting this plan, 
a great part of the materials used in the fabrication of chemical 
manure might be taken from the remains of horses, by converting 
them into products of great value. The blood could be trans- 
muted into a powerful manure. The muscular flesh desiccated and 
reduced to powder, might be applied to the manufacture of 
chemical productions, such, for example, as Prussian blue. The 
bones could be carbonized and sold to sugar refiners and glue 
manufacturers. The skin and fat, carefully prepared, would be 
sure of a market. The intestines and all other offal mi^ht in 
a few moments be converted into fine manure, without the slightest 
inconvenience to the neighborhood. 

The oil extracted from horses' feet is excellent for greasing 
machinery, and possesses a quality highly esteemed by enamellers. 
It is also extremely useful to Hungarian tanners and harness 
makers, in rendering their leather pliable. The horn is used in 
the manufacture of combs. It may also be reduced to a fine 
powder. (Pure, it is extremely valuable.) 

The hair of animals also constitutes a good manure. 



( 11 ) 

TO RESUME. 

The slaughter of animals would become a source of wealth 
to industry, and especially in relation to agriculture. 

The immense results obtained from this system in Europe, 
during a number of years past, leave no doubt as to the facts 
stated in our exposition. 

On this subject may be consulted several late publications of 
some of the most respectable agriculturists, especially Messrs. 
Payen, Dailly, Bousingault, Liebig, Dempsey, Oscar Lecler, 
Marshal Bugeaud, De Rainerville, &c. &c. 



( 12 ) 

A word In relation to the companies existing in Europe for the 
cleansing of sinks ; the establishment of moveable cesspools; the 
slaughter of horses ; the desiccation of blood ; and, in short, the 
conversion of all this offal into concentrated and inodorous 
manure. 

The companies in France engaged in this business are com- 
posed of rich capitalists, who manage and control the affairs of 
the establishments, and for this reason the profits annually accru- 
ing to the establishments are known only to themselves. 

We can therefore give no accurate information on this head, 
but only affirm, that all these companies, without any exception, 
are in a prosperous and flourishing condition. 

At Paris we can name Domange. This society is principally 
occupied with moveable cesspools; it possesses about 12,000. It 
also attends to the cleansing of the old cesspools that are still in 
existence. The rent of each moveable cesspool is sixty francs, 
twelve dollars, per annum. The emptying is fifteen francs, three 
dollars, per ton. Each vehicle contains two tons. This com- 
pany vends its manure which contains 2, 76, 70 of azote at the 
rate of 7 francs, 50 cents, the 100 kilograms, which makes 15 
dollars per ton. Mr. Domange, the founder of this society, has 
realized on his own personal account two millions of francs, or 
$400,000 ; but was compelled to withdraw from it three 
years since, in consequence of ill health, and disposed of his 
interest or agency for the sum of $200,000. From these 
facts, which are known throughout Paris, we may infer what 
must be the annual profits of this company. As regards move- 
able cesspools, we may consult the excellent report of Messrs. 
D'Arcet and Parent Duchatelet. The following is a short 
analysis : — 

" The counsellor of health at Paris, author of this report, in the 
first place establishes the principle, that solids must be separated 
from fluids, and that this separation must take place in the sinks 
themselves. He afterwards admits that this apparatus has been 
known for more than twenty years, and existed by thousands 
in the interior of Paris, and has rendered immense service to the 



( 13 ) 

public health." " Supplied with these," he remarks, "we need no 
longer fear infiltrations, or the expense consequent upon con- 
structing water-proof sinks ; they may be placed in a corner of 
the cellar or wood-house, in the coach-house, stable or wine- 
cellar ; and the removal of the full apparatus, as well as the 
depository of the empty ones, may be effected in broad daylight 
without the least uncleanliness or offensive odor. Is it astonish- 
ing, that after employing this machinery, they should daily 
increase, and that they now supercede at Paris the former old- 
fashioned cesspools ?" 

Signed, Parent Duchatelet. (1838.) 

It is easy to perceive by this report the serious inconveniences 
resulting to the city of Paris, from the laws enacted under the 
reign of Francis I. and Louis XIV., which allowed the excava- 
tions of sinks under ground. 

The Salmon company (animal manure manufactory) is in great 
prosperity. 

Extract from the annals of the agricultural society, under the 
name of Animalized Black Salmon, or the devil burnt into 
black powder. The results obtained from a daily manufacture 
of about 300 hectolitres, and the certificates of our most dis- 
tinguished agriculturists upon the vast extent of land under culti- 
vation, admit of no farther doubt as to the quality of this manure. 
Signed, A. Payen. 

The Lusarche company, which possesses a capital of six mil- 
lions of francs, and employs the method of Messrs. Payen and 
Bousingault, has a vast establishment, not only at Paris, but in 
several other cities in France — Nantes, Rochefort, Clermont-Fer- 
rand and Avignon ; the latter city, especially, yields a conside- 
rable revenue by the sale of its manure for the culture of madder. 

Finally, in order to fully appreciate the condition of this com- 
pany, it is only requisite to advert to the following fact : the 
Marquis of Breves purchased and paid 300,000 francs for the 
share of one of the partners, and this share was only five per cent, 
of the profits alone. 



( 14 ) 

The Bondy company, with a capital of 2,500,000 francs, 
known for many years, export all their manure to Holland and 
England, at the rate of fifteen dollars per ton, taken at Paris. 

The Sviet company. 

Disinfection of domiciles. 

The company for concentrated manure, such as flesh and 
blood, sell it at four dollars the 100 kilograms, or forty dollars per 
ton, containing from 12 to 14, 70 of azote. This manure, in par- 
ticular, is sent to the colonies for the culture of the sugar-cane. 

In the Anbert-villiers Acattovis, or houses for the slaughter of 
horses, near Paris, they slay and skin about 12 to 13,000 horses 
per annum, and the profit may be arrived at from the fact, that 
the proceeds of every horse average from 60 to 70 francs, or from 
$12 to $14. 

At the present day all the cities of France, according to their 
population and locality, have establishments for the above manu- 
facture. England commenced in 1847. The company now 
existing at Liverpool, bought the process at Paris, and paid for it 
about $500,000. All the principal cities of Russia have their 
moveable cesspools and inodorous manure. 

It would too much lengthen this statement to enumerate all 
the different companies which are successfully engaged in this 
lucrative business. 

TO CONCLUDE. 

It may be mentioned., that after the creation of this establish- 
ment in France, Mr. Cunin Gridaine, minister of agriculture and 
commerce, proved that by means of the progress made upon 
annualized manure, (which was formerly lost,) France will in 
future be enabled to produce from her soil a proportion of twenty- 
seven and a half per cent, more than ever before obtained. 



( 15 ) 

It was after an enumeration of all these facts, and after patient 
research and mature reflection upon the application of these 
systems to the United States of America, that in February, 1850, 
we w T ere presented to the Philadelphia Agricultural Society by 
Mr. Gowen, now President of that society. Dr. Elwyn, who 
then presided, requested us to make an experiment, and appointed 
the 9th of March, 1850, at the Agricultural Institute, at German- 
town, under the direction of Professor Wilkinson. This gentle- 
man pointed out the sink, and in presence of Messrs. Gowen, 
Samuel L. Richie, Dr. Elwyn, Mr. Wilkinson, and several other 
persons, as well as the pupils of the Agricultural School, we 
commenced our experiment. We first united the azote to the 
matter, then disinfected it, and instantly converted it into manure. 
The whole operation lasted but fifteen minutes. This manure 
was employed at the expense of the State by Professor Wilkin- 
son, who, after having awaited its effects upon agriculture, 
rendered an account of them in the Germantown Telegraph, 
(March 5th, 1851.) 

NIGHT SOIL. 

Mr. Freas, — I take great pleasure in stating that Professor 
Peysson rendered to me the most satisfactory evidence of his skill 
in disinfecting and preparing Night Soil for agricultural purposes. 

He came to the Institute in March last, and took the entire 
contents of a privy, and succeeded in a very few minutes in 
destroying or removing all offensive odors, in fixing the ammonia, 
and preparing the mass in a manner that it was suitable for 
application as a fertilizer. 

I applied the poudrette which he prepared, on potatoes, in 
competition with prepared guano, good rich compost, Peruvian 
guano, (sown broadcast at the rate of 300 lbs. per acre, plowed 
in,) and barn-yard manure at the rate of thirty two-horse loads 
per acre, and the result of the comparative effects of the different 
fertilizers was as follows : — 

The crop produced by the application of yard manure was 
about 210 bushels per acre; the poudrette prepared by Professor 
Peysson, 190 bushels ; the prepared guano, 185 bushels ; and the 
Peruvian guano, 158 bushels per acre. 

The amount of poudrette applied was about five bushels to one 
load of the yard manure, or about 150 bushels per acre. 

The amount of excrementitious matter w r as about three cubic 



( 16 ) 

feet in five bushels of the poudrette. It was free from unpleasant 
odors, and in no way disagreeable to handle or apply. 

I have full confidence in the scientific knowledge and skill of 
Professor Peysson, in the manufacture of poudrette, and other 
valuable fertilizers from many substances that have generally 
been wasted in our cities, and when neglected have been the 
source of miasmas. 

I have diligently examined the diagrams, and carefully perused 
the description of Prof. P.'s apparatus for the manufacture of 
fertilizers and chemicals from the refuse of cities, and consider it 
complete and efficient, and decidedly preferable to any thing of 
the kind that has ever been presented to the public in this 
country. I am satisfied that the investment of capital, by a com- 
pany, who would carry out Prof. P.'s system, would yield a good 
return ; at the same time, those engaged in the business would, 
while they remove a great nuisance from the city, furnish large 
and valuable supplies of the most valuable fertilizers to the 
farmers at a very moderate cost. Jno. Wilkinson. 

Mount Airy Agricultural Institute, Germantown, Pa., Feb. 24, 1851. . 

We, at the same time, wrote to the President, Mr. Go wen, 
requesting him also to furnish a report. Mr. Gowen, not having 
a perfect knowledge of the operation in general, or of the plans 
which we had presented for the creation of an establishment, the 
importance of which was explained in this exposition, appointed 
a committee for the express purpose of making a thorough and 
scrupulous examination. 

1st. Whether the chemical processes employed for disinfecting 
fecal matter might not deteriorate the fertilizing properties of the 
substances acted upon? 

2d. Whether the mechanical process applied in the same 
manner as the preparation of chemistry to the arts, was not sus- 
ceptible of being put into practice ? 

3d. The question of agricultural advantage? 

4th. The public health. 

The committee was composed of 

Alger. S. Roberts, Esq., Chairman of the Committee, 

John C. Cresson, Esq., Engineer of Philadephia Gas Works, 

M. H. Boye, Esq., Professor of Chemistry, 

Charles B. Trego, Esq., Secretary of Philadelphia Institute, 

Dr. Elwyn, Member of Agricultural Society, 

John S. Haines, Esq. 



( 17 ) 

The committee presented its report to the Society at one of its 
meetings, presided over by Mr. Gowen, and ordered their report 
to be published in the North American and United States Ga- 
zette, the 14th May. 1851. 

The Committee appointed by the Philadelphia Society for pro- 
moting Agriculture, to examine the method and propositions 
of Mr. Peysson, for the disinfecting and cleansing of cess- 
pools, and the manufacturing of chemical manure, 

REPORT : 

That so far as practicable, from drawings, estimates, docu- 
mentary information, and the explanations of Prof. Peysson, they 
have given the subject referred to them a careful investigation. 
They regret, however, that no opportunity has been offered to 
the committee of testing the prepared manure, or witnessing its 
effects upon growing crops. 

Mr. P. claims for his process, both of disinfection and manipu- 
lation, considerable originality, and great improvement over pre- 
vious methods of accomplishing the same purpose ; and the com- 
mittee believe that his plan is entitled to favorable consideration. 

The disinfection of cesspools, and the purification of the 
atmosphere infected thereby, have long engaged the attention of 
the scientific ; while the economical application of the fecal and 
other matters of large cities is of primary importance, especially 
to a community like ours, surrounded by an agricultural country, 
the soil of which requires constant replenishing to sustain its pro- 
ductive powers. 

In the city of Paris more successful modes have been adopted 
than elsewhere ; and the result is higly promotive of cleanliness 
and health, while the profit is represented as being very large. 
This may readily be admitted, when, according to Liebig, Demp- 
sey, and others, the nitrogen resulting from any amount of popu- 
lation is equal to the supply required for two pounds of bread per 
diem for every one of its members; and the total manuring matter, 
solid and liquid, produced in a town, are, as computed by G. D. 
Dempsey, C. E., equal in weight to one ton annually for each 
inhabitant. 

In London, the subject of sewerage, drainage and cleaning of 
cesspools is engaging increased attention, and various means 
have been proposed to the Metropolitan Commission of Sussex 
for collecting and applying to the improvement of the soil the 
vast amount of animal and vegetable substances that is constantly 
drained into the river Thames. 

Some of these schemes have been practically adopted, and the 
9 



( 1$ ) 

method of pumping out the contents of cesspools by means of 
hose, connecting them with air-tight tanks, somewhat similar to 
one of the plans of Mr. Peysson, is highly recommended for its 
economy, cheapness and efficiency. 

It is not our province or duty, at this time, to discuss the 
policy of ihe prevailing system of sewerage and drainage in Phi- 
ladelphia ; nor whether the connection of water closets with 
public sewers, as now practised, and discharging their contents 
into the river, is preferable to such measures as might be less 
wasteful but more expensive. 

There are, however, in our large city, immense quantities of 
animal and vegetable matter suffered to go to waste, and the 
collection and useful conversion of which are embraced in the plan 
of Professor Peysson, in addition to an entire change of the pre- 
sent rude and offensive cesspool constructions, which it is hoped 
" may soon be reckoned among the obsolete mistakes of our 
forefeathers." Such is the care bestowed on the collection of 
fertilizing substances in Paris, that nothing capable, through the 
agency of the chemist, of being converted into manure, is suffered 
to waste. The abattoirs, or public slaughter houses of that city, 
contribute largely to the preservation of the health, economy and 
comfort of the inhabitants ; our public authorities would do well 
to establish similar regulations in the city and county of Phila- 
delphia. 

Professor Peysson contemplates applying the Parisian process, 
in part, to his establishment, by connecting the bones, blood and 
other offals of slaughter houses, as well as dead horses, to the 
same purposes as in the French capital. 

Philadelphia is particularly well adapted for the system under 
consideration ; the level plot of the town, the width of the streets, 
the numerous courts and alleys which afford easy access to almost 
every property, the wide and rapidly increasing suburbs, furnish 
facilities and demand efficient measures, while the immediate 
vicinage of agricultural districts presents an inexhaustable market 
for all the manure that can, by the most careful process, be prepared. 

In a sanitary point of view the scheme of Professor Peysson 
is especially important : but, as we understand that the Board of 
Health are giving it their attention, it is unnecessary to remark 
further on that branch. 

Mr. Peysson's method of disinfecting and converting fecal 
matter into manure, more particularly engaged our attention as 
the proper inquiry for an Agricultural society. 

His process, or the materials used, we were apprehensive might 
effect destructive decomposition, and deteriorate the fertilizing 
properties of the substances acted on. 



( 19 ) 

A close and careful examination, however, satisfied Professor 
Boye that the fertilizing principles of his chemical manure are not 
impaired, and that he can by the proper application of the mate- 
rials used, disinfect or deodorise fecal and offensive substances. 
His plan of operating on a large scale, in the opinion of the com- 
mittee, can only be made efficient through the aid or instru- 
mentality of the corporate authorities. 

Mr. P. proposes establishing an association which shall conduct 
the business by means of agents, superintendents, &c, and esti- 
mates that a capital of $100,000 would be sufficient for com- 
mencing and carrying on operations. Such an association would 
require an act of incorporation, and powers that could only be 
granted to them by the Legislature. 

We, however, think that a subject in which all are interested 
should, like the Water and Gas Works, be in charge of the con- 
stituted authorities, and probably there is no branch of the City 
and District governments more suitable than the Board of Health. 
They could exercise more authority, and with less danger of col- 
lision than a private company, and especially would the farmers 
have more confidence that, in purchasing manure manufactured 
under their direction, it was what it purported to be. 

An establishment of the kind, conducted with skill and eco- 
nomy, would, we feel assured, be both salutary and profitable to 
the city, while it would be an unfailing source of revenue to the 
agriculturist. 

Alger. S. Roberts, 
John C. Cresson, 
M. H. Rove, 
Chas. B. Trego, 
Jo fin S. Haines, 
A. L. Elwyn. 
Philadelphia, May 5th, 1851. 



( 20 ) 

The Board of Health, at our desire, appointed a committee, 
that fixed upon the 16th of May, 1851. 

The experiment we then made was at the City Hospital, in 
the presence of 

T. Wood, Esq., ) 

Daniel M. Fox, Esq., | 

Charles Delany, Esq., I Members of Philadelphia Board of 

Dr. Logan, Health, 

Dr. Pleasants, 

Dr. Sewell, ' ] 

Dr. Rhein, Physician City Hospital, 

Daniel K. Miller, Esq., Northern Liberties, 

Charles B. Trego, Esq., Secretary of Philadelphia Institute, 

M. H. Boye, Professor of Chemistry. 

A complete disinfection was accomplished in a few minutes, a 
report of which, and the opinion of the Board of Health, was 
published in the North American and United States Gazette of 
June 10th, 1851. 

PUBLIC HEALTH. 

We understand that upon a careful examination of a plan fyr 
the purpose, submitted by Professor Peysson, a French chemist, 
the Board of Health has applied to him to know upon what terms 
he will contract to collect and carry away, or disinfect, the large 
quantities of animal matter and other offal which accumulate in 
the streets and other parts of the city. The method of Professor 
P. is that which is now used in Paris, London, and Liverpool ; 
and besides having the advantage of effectually destroying the 
noxious influence of all decaying refuse matter which is so rapidly 
multiplied in densely populated localities, possesses the capacity 
of converting it almost at once, and at a very cheap cost, into a 
manure, which, in the amount and quality of its fertilizing pro- 
perties, is represented to be far more valuable to the agriculturist 
than Peruvian guano. If Professor Peysson should be employed 
to remove or deodorize the largest and most offensive portion of 
those waste and putrefying substances which are now, in a great 
measure, left to rot in the sun and poison the air with their 
exhalations, the health of our city would be very materially 
increased. It is to be hoped, therefore, that his proposal to the 
Board of Health may be such as it can accept, and that a sanitary 
measure capable of so much advantage to the community may be 
speedily put in operation. 

Professor Peysson has already prepared a plan for the formation 



( 21 ) 

of a company, with a capital of several thousand dollars, to be 
subscribed in shares of a thousand dollars each, and from the 
great success which has attended similar associations in those 
European cities where the same method of manufacturing manure 
has been practised, there is no doubt that the stockholders will 
receive a very large profit on their respective shares. As on the 
establishment here of a corporation such as is projected, is 
dependent chiefly, if not entirely, the ability of Professor Peysson 
to make any engagement with the Board of Health for the 
benefit of the public, we trust that the enterprise may succeed. 

The 17th May, 1851, an experiment took place at Mr. Gow- 
en's, at Germantown, who published a report of it in the Penn- 
sylvania Farm Journal, the 1st of June, 1851. 

We know not how to conclude without expressing our sincere 
thanks to the members of the Agricultural Society, and also to 
the Board of Health, for their kindness in consenting to be pre- 
sent at experiments so little attractive, but with which are con- 
sequences so essentially important in an industrial and scientific 
point of view, their aim being the promotion of the public inte- 
rest, and one of the greatest improvements in civilization. 



It is proposed to form in the City of Philadelphia a company 
for the purpose of introducing the moveable cesspools, disinfect- 
ing and deodorizing the present cesspools, and the manufacture 
of chemical manure, similar to the systems pursued in Europe, as 
referred to in the preceding exposition. 

The formation of such a company recommends itself to every 
capitalist from the following considerations : — 

1st. It is proposed to produce an article for which there is an 
ever-increasing demand and a ready sale ; that is, manure equal 
to and better than guano at one-fourth the price. 

2d. The business being new, is not broken down nor ener- 
vated by competition, aside from the consideration that the pro- 
cess of manufacture is secured by letters patent in this country. 

3d. The certainty of large profits to those engaged in the 
manufacture as is instanced by the companies of Liverpool and 
Paris. 

Your particular attention is respectfully requested to this sub- 
ject. We hand you herewith extracts from the proposed articles 
of association. If, after careful examination, you should decide 
upon becoming a stockholder m the proposed company, you will 
fill up the blanks in the sheet opposite to the articles of associa- 
tion, and forward it to the office of the company, No. 74 South 
Third Street. 



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